China contributes $1.4 billion to Iter

08 January 2008

China will contribute 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Nuclear Reactor (Iter). Chinese researchers will build components and transport them to Cadarache, where construction of Iter is due to start this year.

The Chinese contribution represents around 10% of the estimated cost of Iter, which is scheduled to come online in 2016. The components to be produced by China include heating, diagnostic and remote maintenance equipment.

China joined the Iter consortium in February 2003, currently the Iter membership also includes the US, Russia, Japan, India, South Korea and the European Union.

The Iter program is projected to last for 30 years, with ten years of construction followed by 20 years of operation, although this may be extended. In total the project is expected to cost just under $15 billion.